# Abhishek Sharma’s record 30-ball century leads India to 3-0 sweep

2026-09-17T18:31:42+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 4 independent outlets

Abhishek Sharma smashed a 34-ball 108, including 11 sixes, to power India to 221 for seven against Afghanistan in the third T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday. His century off 30 balls is the fastest by an Indian in T20Is and the quickest against a Test-playing nation. Sanju Samson made 50 off 35 as the openers added 142 in 9.5 overs. Afghanistan were bowled out for 94 in 14.1 overs, giving India a 127-run win and a 3-0 series sweep. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravi Bishnoi took three wickets each. The two sides now travel to Japan for the Asian Games men's cricket tournament, preceded by a one-off T20I between India and Japan on September 22.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

All four outlets report the match as a straightforward India victory. Sportstar leads with Abhishek's six-hitting skill and individual record, framing the win as a personal masterclass. Freepress Journal and ICC give balanced play-by-play coverage. Cricinfo provides only the headline and links. No source questions the performance or adds critical context. The coverage is uniform straight reporting. India's next match is against Japan on September 22 before the Asian Games.

## Coverage

- sportstar.thehindu.com (neutral report) <https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/india-vs-afghanistan-3rd-t20i-abhishek-sharma-century-records-clean-sweep-scores-result-analysis/article71478064.ece>
  Focuses on Abhishek's skill and records, straight match report
- freepressjournal.in (neutral report) <https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/ind-vs-afg-3rd-t20i-india-crush-afghanistan-by-127-runs-complete-3-0-series-sweep>
  Balanced scorecard style report, no slant
- icc-cricket.com (neutral report) <https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/sensational-abhishek-blazes-to-record-hundred>
  Neutral play-by-play, includes Asian Games context
- cricinfo.com (sensationalist) <https://www.cricinfo.com/series/afghanistan-in-india-2026-1549583/india-vs-afghanistan-3rd-t20i-1549588/match-report>
  Only headline and links, no original reporting

Tags: Abhishek Sharma, Afghanistan cricket team, India cricket team, Sanju Samson, T20I
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